News Archive

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Cutting It Down
May 1 2002
By Bryan Hersh of 49ers Paradise
The 49ers intend on entering training camp with one fewer quarterbacks on their roster than they currently have. Jeff Garcia and Tim Ratty are secure in their positions, but one (or possibly two) openings behind them are up for grabs. Competing for those spots are third year, and oft’ injured Giovanni Carmazzi, former Arena League Star Aaron Garcia and rookie Brandon Doman.

One of those three won’t be on the team when the team opens camp in June according to reports from the 49ers. Doman has seen very little time with the team. He showed some great physical attributes in mini-camp but naturally looked lost in the offense. With the 49ers having so little time to ‘eye’ Doman, it’s likely he will be on the training camp roster.

That leaves the choices down to two. Either Carmazzi or Aaron Garcia. Garcia had reportedly looked best at mini-camp, showing his poise and grasp of the offense that likely came from the past experience he had in Arena League.

Carmazzi has been battling an injured arm since being drafted by the 49ers. He’s a tremendous athlete, but the team likely wont be that much more patient with him. Although Carmazzi did throw a little at camp, it sounded like his priority was to get healthy and then make a team in the NFL.

I hate to say it, but it looks like Carmazzi may be that odd man out. A stellar athlete, who got a spell of poor fortune, the young Carmazzi seems to be halfway out the door. Of course, we wont really know the 49ers intentions until they act, but it would be interesting to know if Carmazzi has already begun packing up his locker.